Four U.S. soldiers die in Washington helicopter crash

[News_Editor]

Four U.S. soldiers die in Washington helicopter crash

2011-12-14 07:45:12 GMT+7 (ICT)

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCHORD, WASHINGTON (BNO NEWS) -- Four U.S. service members were killed on Monday evening when two U.S. Army helicopters crashed at a military base in Washington state, officials said on Tuesday.

The accident happened just after 8 p.m. local time when two single-engine OH-58 Kiowa observation helicopters crashed inside the southwest training area at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Thurston County, about 9.1 miles (14.6 kilometers) south-southwest of Tacoma.

While debris was spread across a large area, indicting a possible mid-air collision, officials were unable to say whether the aircraft collided or had crashed separately. Sheriff deputies and military personnel blocked off the site, and an investigation was ongoing on Tuesday.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and loved ones of the Soldiers involved in this tragic accident," said Major General Lloyd Miles, acting senior Army commander at JBLM and deputy commanding general of I Corps. "We will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident, and we will do everything in our power to support the families of the brave Soldiers who died [yesterday]."

The names of the four Army aviators were expected to be released on Wednesday after next of kin have been informed.

Although no initial comments were made regarding the cause, reports indicate that the skies were clear and not foggy. The H-58 Kiowa helicopter has been used by the U.S. Army since 1969 and has been manufactured by Bell Helicopter.

On December 21, 2006, a Black Hawk helicopter crashed on a mountainside near Enumclaw, marking the last time a military helicopter crashed in the area. Three members of the 4th Squadron, 6th Air Cavalry Regiment assigned to Fort Lewis died in the crash.

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